Lusanda Beauty Juta*
| Bisiriyu Abiodun Taleat | Afees Olumide Hassan
© 2024 The authors. This article is published by IIETA and is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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The study investigates the implementation strategies for Sustainable Development Goal 11 and examines the challenges faced in implementing SDG 11 in Osun State. Primary and secondary data were utilised through the questionnaires and interviews. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique, where Osun State was divided into 3 senatorial districts, with one local government selected from each district. In addition, an interview was conducted with the chairmen of the three selected local governments. Data generated through questionnaire administration were analysed using descriptive statistics; while the content analysis methods were used for the interviews. The findings indicated that the government has not established a definitive strategy to foster development in the state. Most of its strategies have not brought the desired change and transformation needed to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Furthermore, the result revealed that there has been a colossal failure in the attainment of SDG 11 in the study area. Therefore, poor economy (89.6%); corruption (89.5%); and funding (88.1%) were the notable challenges confronting the implementation strategy of SDG-11 in Osun State. The study concluded that SDG 11 has not been successfully implemented in Osun State of Nigeria.
human settlement, implementation, national government, sustainable development, strategy
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a significant advancement over the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were implemented in 2000 and aimed to combat global poverty and promote development in various sectors across member countries for 15 years. Following the completion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, a unanimous agreement was made by 195 countries to collaborate with the United Nations to enhance global conditions. Their objective was to tackle the world's most pressing and widespread issues and improve the standard of living for residents in each country by 2030. This would be achieved through the cooperation of local non-governmental organisations, businesses, media, higher education institutions, and governments.
Regrettably, many nations have had challenges in implementing the requisite strategies to achieve their aims and yield significant outcomes. Several scholars have proposed that unless Nigeria makes substantial progress in achieving the objectives, Africa as a whole will be unable to accomplish the targets of the SDGs. Nigeria's status as the country with the highest GDP and the largest number of young people in Africa, as well as its population density accounting for one-fifth of all Africans, explains this phenomenon [1].
Since the inception of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 and the subsequent adoption of the 2030 agenda, Nigeria has implemented various policies and programmes to ensure their successful execution. The government has established institutional frameworks at both the national and sub-national levels to support these efforts. The National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) have been implemented to ensure that the country's development goals are in line with the comprehensive and diverse framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, which spans a wide range of objectives [2]. Nigeria demonstrated its commitment to monitoring the implementation and coordination of the SDGs at the national level by establishing the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as part of its strategic objectives [3].
The interdependence of national and international governance is strengthened by the 17 objectives, 169 targets, and 230 indicators of the SDGs [4]. These goals, targets, and indicators emphasise the importance of global public goods as a vital approach to managing development at both regional and global levels [5]. The key development indicators in African nations require the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. This includes addressing industrialization and infrastructure, ensuring access to modern energy, reducing inequality, poverty, and hunger, promoting ecosystem development including biodiversity and climate change, and improving access to high-quality healthcare, education, water, and sanitation.
The SDGs seek to minimise marginalisation and exclusion by prioritising the development of disadvantaged populations in remote cities and communities. This includes vulnerable groups such as women, children, youth, slum dwellers, internally displaced individuals, and victims of natural disasters. This demonstrates that each of the 17 goals are interconnected, implying that the accomplishment of one goal has an impact on the accomplishment of the other goals. When considering all 17 goals together, it becomes clear that sustainable cities and communities with inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements are essential. Without these, other 16 goals, which address poverty reduction, hunger elimination, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industrial innovation and infrastructure, inequality reduction, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice strong institutions, and partnership for the goals, cannot be accomplished.
Consequently, it is crucial to examine the progress made in implementing SDG 11. This will provide a framework to assess the efficacy of current government policies and activities, identify areas of achievement, and crucially comprehend and tackle existing obstacles. An extensive analysis will provide insight into Nigeria's current accomplishments and deficiencies, as well as reveal possible changes for the nation's journey towards sustainable development [2].
This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the advancements made in the implementation of SDG 11 in Osun State, Nigeria. The justification for this is that, since the inception of SDGs global agenda in 2015, the people in the state have been clamouring for government intervention toward sustainable development programmes to improve their standard of living. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights into Nigeria's strategy towards achieving global objectives related to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. By dissecting and understanding the nuances of Nigeria's efforts, this analysis hopes to contribute to the ongoing progress and identify potential pathways for realising these objectives.
In the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Millennium Development Goals lasted fifteen years but failed to meet the majority of their targets. Nigeria continues to experience extreme hunger and poverty as a result of economic inequality and unemployment, the education system at all levels is in disarray, hospital attendance has skyrocketed due to various and trivial diseases, haphazard public policies and programmes, and sectoral underdevelopment. Similarly, there has been no major progress in environmental sustainability due to existing ecological deterioration, which poses several environmental threats to humans and animals [6].
As a result, the Sustainable Development Goals must be reevaluated in light of the widespread belief that some of their targets should have been met within nine years of their inception, as the federal government is required to collaborate with other levels of government and non-governmental actors to ensure appropriate SDG implementation. It is worth noting that during its nine-year tenure, the Osun State administration attempted to implement elements of the SDGs (particularly health and education) as a vehicle for advancing the global agenda. For example, the Aregbesola administration reformed the educational system by renovating and constructing standard and modern classrooms with well-equipped educational facilities throughout the state. To improve the education system, as presented by Vanguard [7], the government also offers electronic tablets fully loaded with educational software known as "Opon-Imon" to high school pupils. In addition, sixty-one health clinics were constructed throughout the state.
Despite these impressive efforts, there has been no meaningful strategic implementation of Goal 11 in Osun State, as a result of a lack of feasible collaborations and an incorrect identification of roles by the tiers of government regarding the right strategies to be implemented for the sustainability, resiliency, inclusivity, and safety of cities and human settlements under their political jurisdiction. It was observed that existing research did not shine their searchlights on SDG 11, despite multiple studies on the assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda within the Nigeria setting, resulting in a gap that the current study seeks to address. This needs a thorough assessment of the progress made on the SDG 11 implementation strategy in Osun State, Nigeria.
The general objective of this study is to assess the progress of the implementation strategy of SDG 11 in Osun State of Nigeria. The specific objectives are to:
i Investigate the Progress of implementation strategies of SDG 11 in Osun State of Nigeria, and
ii Analyse the challenges confronting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in the study area.
The United Nations defined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as being transformational, to eradicate poverty and improve the social, economic, and environmental situations of people in developed and developing nations, despite factors such as political affiliation, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, social and economic situation, and so on. These improvements are intended to be made for all individuals, not just those who are poor [8]. The term "transforming our planet" refers to all the seventeen goals that have been established by the United Nations to effect positive change in the world by the year 2030 [9].
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework of goals, benchmarks, and metrics that nations can use to direct their efforts toward achieving sustainable development until the year 2030 [10]. It is a collection of 17 interconnected global objectives that were approved by the United Nations General Assembly (UN-GA) in 2015 and will last for 15 years, as 2030 has been set as the deadline for the completion and attainment of the whole 17 goals by all nations.
When Agenda 21 was established, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) began placing greater importance on the three fundamental aspects of development: economic, social, and environmental. Paragraph 404 of Agenda 21 asserts the necessity of creating indicators of sustainable development. These indicators are crucial for making informed decisions at all levels and for promoting the self-regulating sustainability of infrastructure systems. The OECD began prioritising the three pillars of development, vis economic, social, and environmental - which subsequently initiated the process that led to the formation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 1970. Subsequently, this was officially approved at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, by the governments of 183 member nations. It was later reiterated at the World Summits held in Johannesburg in 2002 and Rio de Janeiro in 2012, specifically during the Rio +20 Summit. The first aim of sustainable development was to ensure that the majority of individuals consumed an adequate quantity of commodities and services.
However, the United Nations stated that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should include,
eradicating all forms and dimensions of poverty, ensuring universal health coverage universally, reducing preventable infant and maternal mortality before 2030, remunerating women and girls at least three times what they are currently paid, and ensuring that there is no gender gap in education [11].
The agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals includes, among other things, the eradication of poverty, the establishment of socio-economic and financial inclusion for all people, and the protection of the environment [8]. Consequently, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2015 titled "Agenda 2030," which is referred to as Sustainable Development Goals, outlined 17 interconnected global goals as follows:
4.1 SDG 11 in focus
According to the global agenda, it is expected that by 2030, over two-thirds of the world's estimated population of 5 billion people will reside in urban areas [11]. The rapid process of urbanisation has led to the formation of various problems, such as a rise in slum dwellers, deteriorating air quality, insufficient infrastructure and critical services, and unregulated expansion of cities, rendering them more susceptible to natural calamities. Developing secure and environmentally friendly cities necessitates many investments, such as those in public transit, the establishment of eco-friendly public spaces, and the enhancement of urban planning and governance in a manner that encourages participation and inclusivity [12].
The process of urbanisation has led to a rise in environmental strain and a higher need for essential services, infrastructure, jobs, land, and affordable housing. This is especially true for the approximately 1 billion urban poor living in informal settlements [4]. This is particularly accurate for individuals living in poverty in urban areas of emerging nations. Urban areas exhibit a significant concentration of inhabitants, rendering them more susceptible to the impacts of natural calamities and climate change. Urban areas also exhibit a greater density of physical structures and residential units, rendering them more reliant on economic operations.
Constructing resilient cities is crucial for mitigating human, societal, and financial losses while enhancing the sustainability of urban development is necessary to preserve the environment, mitigate the vulnerability to natural disasters, and combat climate change. Urban areas that effectively utilise their resources offer greater options for consumer selection and sustainable ways of living, while simultaneously enhancing productivity and innovation at reduced expenses and with little negative impacts on the environment [13].
The scope of the Sustainable Development Goals is reflected in Goal 11, which lays out an extremely expansive and lofty objective for the cities in the region. The goals of the plan are as follows:
(a) to guarantee universal access to housing and essential services that meet the standards of sufficiency, safety, and affordability;
(b) to ensure that everyone has access to transportation systems that are safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable;
(c) to enhance the collaborative, comprehensive, and enduring process of designing and overseeing human settlements in every nation; and
(d) to strengthen e-government and e-governance [14].
Therefore, making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable is the aim of SDG-11, which is divided into 10 specific objectives. These are:
It is important to note from the aforesaid specific objectives that, the essential component of the global effort towards sustainable development is all about humanities, cities and communities. The objective takes into account the world's cities and human settlements' pressing concerns as well as the fast pace of urbanisation. SDG 11 addresses several social, economic, and environmental challenges by emphasising the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. The global agenda project is that, with the help of SDG 11, cities will become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive places that enhance the quality of life of their dwellers, safeguard the environment, and advance global development ideas. This objective contributes significantly to building a more sustainable future for humanity by tackling the special opportunities and challenges presented by urbanisation [15].
Nigeria has demonstrated inadequate progress in achieving the goals outlined in SDG 17 over the past nine years since its establishment. Nigeria's status in terms of achieving the SDGs is relatively poor compared to developed countries. The report indicated that Nigeria does not rank among the top 20 countries with high SDG performances. Instead, it is classified as one of the low-performing countries, holding the 141st position in 2017 [16] and the 146th position out of the 193 countries evaluated by the end of 2023 [17]. This research indicates that Nigeria has not made substantial progress towards implementing sustainable development goals over the period covered by this report.
4.2 Factors that necessitate the SDGs 11
SDG 11 prioritises the establishment of sustainable cities and communities, with a focus on inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability. The goal was to enhance the sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and safety of cities and other human settlements. The global population exceeds one billion individuals, with three specific regions, namely sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, comprising 85% of the entire population [4]. Slums accommodate a majority of the urban population, comprising over 50% of residents in metropolitan areas and more than half of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, roughly 25% of people live in slums or other unauthorised settlements.
According to empirical statistics, a one per cent increase in urban population growth would lead to a two-and-a-half per cent and five-and-a-half per cent increase, respectively, in the number of people living in slum conditions in Africa and Asia. Rapid urbanisation, inadequate planning, lack of affordable housing alternatives for low-income households, fragmented urban, land, and housing regulations, and a lack of housing financing are some of the factors that contribute to the development of slums in developing nations. Poverty is another factor that plays a role in the formation of slums. The majority of people who live in slums must receive the assistance they require to break even from the cycle of poverty and live a life free from social exclusion and injustice for the Sustainable Development Goals to be attained. To improve their living conditions, we must provide secured housing that is accessible to all [4].
4.3 Current state of SDG 11 implementation in developing countries
Nigeria's advancement in the implementation of SDG 11 can be characterised as sluggish and inadequate, as many nations commenced SDG implementation in 2016, while Nigeria was still grappling with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and could not effectively initiate SDG implementation until 2017, coinciding with the first Voluntary National Review (VNR) [18]. The implication is that while other nations were learning and adapting their implementation strategies, Nigeria was not only two years behind but also had achieved only one implementation milestone by 2017: the establishment of OSSAP-SDGs. The integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into Nigeria's development plans and budgets commenced following the second Voluntary National Review in 2020 [19]. However, the progress of implementation was significantly hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed restrictions on movement and various activities. Since then, the outcomes attained in the implementation of SDG 11 have not aligned with the anticipated results from the extensively promoted government initiatives. Consequently, Nigeria may jeopardise its ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Despite the existence of a balanced and inclusive implementation framework, along with a meticulously crafted monitoring and evaluation system, progress has been generally sluggish and inadequate, largely attributable to various challenges such as corruption in the execution of development programs, increasing poverty, and insufficient budgetary allocations, among others [18]. Nigeria frequently establishes appropriate policies and plans but ultimately fails to execute them effectively during implementation.
Upon analysing the progress, challenges, and potential for achieving human settlement and community-related sustainable development goals in Nigeria, it appears that the country possesses a feasible framework for the effective implementation of SDG 11. However, this framework remains largely theoretical, lacking the decisive strategic actions necessary to ensure the realisation of these goals [20]. The mid-term evaluation of the SDGs was conducted among UN member states in 2023, indicating an anticipated attainment of at least 50% for SDG 11 and the other 16 goals. At the midpoint towards the target year of 2030, several nations have formulated and implemented diverse acceleration strategies to guarantee full attainment by that year. However, evidence indicates that Nigeria has not achieved 30% progress on numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at this mid-term juncture, rendering the prospect of meeting the targets increasingly tenuous unless intentional measures are adopted to expedite and enhance implementation [19, 20].
The global advancement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals has been sluggish. The 2019 UN progress report and the 2020 Second Voluntary National Review indicate that the transition in development paths necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is not progressing at the requisite speed or scale [11]. A 2023 report from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) indicates that only one of 219 countries is on track to achieve SDG 11, while 143 countries (65%) face substantial and severe challenges in its implementation [21]. Only nations in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand have made progress in reducing the percentage of the urban population living in slums, to ensure universal access to appropriate, safe, and affordable housing and essential amenities, as well as upgrading slums by 2030. Conversely, the majority of the global community, particularly African nations, remains significantly distant from that goal [11]. Consequently, despite SDG 11 representing a significant advancement in establishing a global sustainable cities agenda, its execution remains uncertain. We must enhance our comprehension of our current position on this trajectory.
The Goal Setting Theory developed by Locke and Latham [22] served as the theoretical underpinning for this study. The theory is referred to as an all-encompassing goal-setting theory of motivation. The theory highlights the crucial connection between individual, group, or organisation performance and goals. The relationship of this theory to the study is that the individual and group denote the beneficiary of a particular policy or programme while the organisation's performance refers to government efforts towards the actualisation of SDGs goals.
Existing research indicates that optimal performance is achieved when goals are explicit and demanding, serve as a means for evaluating and monitoring progress, and are linked to feedback on results. Additionally, performance is enhanced when goals promote acceptance and commitment. The fundamental goal-setting theory posits that behavioural change can be induced when two conditions are fulfilled: value and intention [23].
A diverse range informed the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals of prior knowledge in the field of goal-setting theory. The fundamental principle behind establishing a goal for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is that goals are more impactful when they incorporate a specific timeframe for achievement. The primary rationale for setting the timeframe for all 17 SDGs as 2030 is that it is the most significant reason. This functions as a time-management tool and enhances the execution plan for achieving goals. With the knowledge that a deadline is approaching, the focus and determination will be intensified to complete the assignment. On the other hand, if there is ample time available to achieve the objective, the programme is expected to be slower. Nevertheless, if the time constraints are very stringent, especially when dealing with intricate assignments, the calibre of the job can be compromised. The difficulty of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is exacerbated by the government's stance in many developing nations, including Nigeria.
The SDGs agenda calls for reform in virtually all domestic and foreign policies and establishes specific goals and targets for both industrialised and developing nations [24-26]. With multiple stakeholders involved in the development and framing of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs also draw upon a wider societal background [27]. To corroborate the goal-setting theory, the SDGs set up performance measurements to be implemented under the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Developments and set up mechanisms for periodic reviews [28, 29].
Goals are laid out in a framework, those in charge of policy implementation as well as the administration will have a sense of direction and concentration. If the goals cannot be achieved, the policy will not be successful in the implementation phase. It has been demonstrated that the most common cause of policy failure in developing countries, particularly Nigeria, is the establishment of illogical or contradictory goals.
Consequently, the applicability of goal-setting theory to SDG 11 (SDG 11) in Nigeria is substantial, especially in tackling urbanisation issues and promoting sustainable cities and communities. Goal Setting Theory asserts that distinct and difficult objectives can enhance performance and motivation. This approach can be applied to SDG 11, which seeks to "create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements." SDG 11 encompasses specific objectives, including the amelioration of slum conditions (Target 11.1), the promotion of sustainable mobility (Target 11.2), and the advancement of urban planning (Target 11.3). The specificity of these targets corresponds with the concepts of goal-setting theory, which asserts that precise goals improve focus and performance [30].
The execution of SDG 11 necessitates quantifiable metrics to monitor advancement. Goal Setting Theory emphasizes the significance of quantifiable objectives, which can inspire stakeholders to attain intended results. Nigeria's emphasis on data management for urban planning directly facilitates the monitoring of these particular aims [31]. Moreover, effective goal-setting necessitates the involvement of diverse stakeholders, such as governmental bodies, civil society organisations, and local communities. In Nigeria, the effective execution of SDG 11 requires coordination among various entities to comprehensively tackle urban concerns. Goal Setting Theory emphatically supports this interaction as essential for synchronising actions towards shared objectives [32].
The study utilised both primary and secondary sources of data gathering. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires and the conduct of interviews. The study population of 120 comprises 40 residents from each of the three selected local governments using a multi-stage sampling technique. At the first stage, Osun State was divided into 3 senatorial districts which are Osun East, Osun Central, and Osun West. In the second stage, one local government was selected from the 3 senatorial districts. These are; Ife Central, Irepodun, and Irewole Local Government Areas. In the third stage, respondents were selected from the three local governments for questionnaire administration. Osun State was selected because the demographic attributes and urbanisation trends of Osun State offer both prospects for sustainable development and issues that require attention. By connecting local policies with the aims of SDG 11, Osun State can strive to develop inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban settings that improve the quality of life for all people. Sustained endeavours in participatory planning, infrastructure enhancement, and environmental sustainability will be crucial for attaining these objectives.
The questionnaires were administered to residents and staff of these local governments at their various offices during working hours. The justification for the selection of these local governments is because of their urbanised nature and to represent each senatorial district. Also, the respondents were selected based on the fact that they are knowledgeable and in a vantage position to provide the essential information to the study under investigation. Sixty-eight (68) completed the questionnaires, these respondents also formed the sample for this study. In addition, an interview session was conducted with the chairmen of the three selected local governments to complement the information generated through the questionnaires. Data generated through questionnaire administration were analysed using descriptive statistics; while data generated through interviews were analysed using the content analysis methods.
This study's findings are given in line with the research questions. This section of the study concentrates on the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data collected from respondents via questionnaires and interviews. Sixty-eight questionnaires were completed and retrieved; this accounts for 57% of the total questionnaire administered.
7.1 Progress of implementation strategies of SDG 11 in Osun State
This section of the study provides an analysis and interpretation of the opinions expressed by respondents regarding the progress achieved thus far in the implementation strategy of SDG 11 in Osun State. Table 1 is displayed with frequency and percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The Likert scale was employed to examine the variables using five-point measuring techniques, consisting of the following categories: Strongly Agree (5), Agree (4), Neutral (3), Disagree (2), and Strongly Disagree (1). The qualitative data collected from the respondents who were interviewed were also evaluated using the content analysis method to supplement the results obtained from the study of the quantitative data.
According to the information provided in Table 1, the participants were initially asked to answer the statement regarding their satisfaction with the implementation of renewable energy, such as the use of solar-powered energy for street lights in their local area. Out of the respondents, 5 (7.4%) strongly agreed with the assertion. This was confirmed by 9 (13.2%) respondents who agreed with the assertion. 1 (1.5%) respondent was neutral on the view. On the other hand, 31 (45.6%) respondents disagreed with the assertion. Additionally, 22 (32.4%) respondents strongly disagreed with the assertion, further supporting this view. Given that most respondents expressed disagreement with the assumption, this data representation suggests that residents of Osun State do not benefit from the advancement of renewable energy, which is a crucial goal in creating a smart city as outlined in SDG-Goal 11. Consequently, it may be inferred that the government of Osun State has not yet utilised this strategy.
In regards to the second assertion regarding the presence of reliable power supply and public water systems in local communities in Osun State, the survey results indicate that 1 respondent (1.5%) strongly agreed, 13 respondents (19.1%) agreed, 1 respondent (1.5%) remained neutral, 35 respondents (51.5%) did not agree, and 17 respondents (25%) strongly disagreed with this statement. The study indicates that the local areas in Osun State lack adequate electricity supply and public water infrastructure.
In regards to the third argument, which claims that cities can be developed without slums, just 1 respondent (1.5%) strongly agreed with the statement. 13 respondents (19.1%) agreed with the statement, while 2 respondents (2.9%) remained neutral on the matter. In contrast, 35 respondents (51.5%) expressed disagreement, while 17 respondents (25%) strongly disagreed with the assertion. This data depiction indicates that the Osun State government has not successfully implemented a strategy to construct cities without slums in the past nine years, which is necessary for achieving SDG-11.
In Table 1, the fourth claim was to assess the existence of a sustainable transport system. Out of the respondents, 3 (4.4%) highly agreed, 20 (29.4%) agreed, 2 (2.9%) were neutral, 29 (42.6%) disagreed, and 14 (20.6%) severely disagreed with this statement. The data analysis confirmed that most respondents disagreed with the notion that a sustainable transport system has been developed in the local communities of Osun State. This is because the predominant transport system in the state remains the informal one.
The fifth assertion aimed to assess the presence of integrated urban management and development strategies. Out of the respondents, 4 (5.9%) highly agreed, 20 (29.4%) agreed, 14 (20.6%) were indifferent, 20 (29.4%) disagreed, and 10 (14.7%) severely disagreed with the statement. This data presentation reveals inconsistencies in the claim made, suggesting that while it remained ambiguous to certain residents of Osun State whether there exists an integrated urban management and development plan, some respondents believed that such a plan does indeed exist. Conversely, a significant portion of the participants expressed disagreement with the statement.
Table 1 further confirms the existence of an ongoing government initiative for strategic structure planning. Only one respondent (1.5%) strongly agreed with the argument, while 18 respondents (26.5%) agreed with it. Another 16 respondents (23.5%) remained neutral on the matter. Meanwhile, 24 respondents, accounting for 35.3% of the total, expressed disagreement with the assumption. Additionally, 11 respondents, making up 16.2% of the total, strongly disagreed with this assertion. This statement suggests that either the individuals are uninformed or the state government is not currently engaged in strategic planning.
Table 1. Progress of implementation strategies of SDG 11 in Osun State
|
S/N |
Statement |
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
|
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
||
|
1 |
In my community, I enjoyed the development of renewable energy like provision of street lights through solar |
5 (7.4%) |
9 (13.2%) |
1 (1.5%) |
31 (45.6%) |
22 (32.4%) |
|
2 |
In my community, there a good power supply and public water systems |
1 (1.5%) |
13 (19.1%) |
2 (2.9%) |
35 (51.5%) |
17 (25%) |
|
3 |
There is the development of cities without slums |
2 (2.9%) |
13 (19.1%) |
13 (19.1%) |
27 (39.7%) |
14 (20.6%) |
|
4 |
There is a development of a sustainable transportation system in my community |
3 (4.4%) |
20 (29.4%) |
2 (2.9%) |
29 (42.6%) |
14 (20.6%) |
|
5 |
There are ongoing integrated urban management and development plans |
4 (5.9%) |
20 (29.4%) |
14 (20.6%) |
20 (29.4%) |
10 (14.7%) |
|
6 |
There is ongoing strategic structure planning by the government in my community |
1 (1.5%) |
18 (26.5%) |
16 (23.5%) |
24 (35.3%) |
11 (16.2%) |
|
7 |
Promotion of social inclusiveness |
3 (4.4%) |
25 (36.8%) |
10 (14.7%) |
20 (29.4%) |
10 (14.7%) |
|
8 |
Facilitation of resilience to climate change |
1 (1.5%) |
24 (35.8%) |
11 (16.2%) |
19 (28.4%) |
12 (17.9%) |
Source: Researcher’s compilation, 2023.
The seventh proposition, as outlined in Table 1, aims to determine whether there is a deliberate effort to foster social inclusivity within the local administration. 3 respondents (4.4%) strongly agreed with this assertion, while 25 respondents (36.8%) agreed with it. 10 respondents (14.7%) were neutral, and 20 respondents (29.4%) disagreed, with an additional 10 respondents (14.7%) strongly disagree. This data presentation suggests that it is still uncertain whether there is a promotion of social inclusivity in the state.
For the eighth statement, participants were asked to indicate their level of agreement about the facilitation of resilience to climate change. Out of the respondents, only 1 (1.5%) strongly agreed with this statement. The majority, 24 (35.8%) respondents, also agreed with this assertion. However, 11 (16.2%) respondents were neutral on the matter. On the other hand, 19 (28.4%) respondents disagreed with this assertion, while 12 (17.9%) strongly disagreed. Table 1 depicts this.
The findings of the quantitative data were also complimented by the qualitative data gathered from the interview sessions with the chairmen of the 3 selected local government areas for the study. When asked about the strategies put in place by the government to implement sustainable development goals in their respective local governments, it was gathered from the cross-section of interviews with the respondents that there is an SDG office under the office of the governor and also the bureau of rural development. According to the chairman of Ife Central LGA, “Our LGA has continued to work closely with these agencies in all attempts to implement the SDG goals”. In the Irewole local government area, there is a bottom-up line approach/strategy set by the government, by meeting with people to know what their needs are. The community is given the privilege to make their choice. The interviewee in Ife Central stated that only in Osogbo (being the state capital), there have been some ongoing projects, especially those emanating from the state and federal governments towards the implementation of SDGs but no serious strategic efforts in another area within the state.
On the issue of transportation, the government only performs regulatory roles. In Ife central LG, the transport system is largely driven by private transporters, popularly known as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employees’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) within and interstate. In Irepodun LG, the interviewee said that there has not been any plan put in place by the government, while in Irewole local government, it was avowed by the interview response that the formal transport system is not in place as motorcycles (Okada riders) are the major means of transportation with the local government, while NURTW and RTEAN were for the interstate.
In their opinion about the effort of the government in providing safe, adequate, and affordable housing for the people, it was revealed that in Ife Central local government, housing hasn’t been much prioritized since the inception of SDGs in 2015, the focus has been on education, health and little effort on poverty reduction programmes. The interview respondent from Irewole local government noted that SDG 11 is a very good scheme if adequate funding, resource allocation, proper implementation, and monitoring are given priority. In Ife Central local government, the interviewee noted that “there is a proposed housing programme by the federal government in some part of the state which we hope it materialised and located within the local government”. However, not sure if it falls within the target of SDGs goals (interview response). It was also stated from the interview sessions that the government fail to grade our roads, especially those leading to farm settlements to allow easy access from the rural areas to the urban areas. This encourages them to visit urban areas for business transactions.
7.2 Challenges confronting the implementation of the SDG 11
This section focuses on the analysis of the challenges confronting the implementation of SDG 11 in Osun State. The 5-point Likert scale rating was also used by the researcher to ask the respondents to agree or disagree with the 9 assertions made. The findings revealed that there is a high level of agreement with all the assertions raised by the researchers with the respondents. The level of agreement ranged from the lowest (64.2%) to the highest (89.6%).
Item 7, the poor economy was rated the highest challenge confronting the implementation of SDG 11 in Osun State with 89.6% of responses. This was closely followed by corruption with 89.5%. The problem of funding government ideas was rated the third notable challenge confronting the implementation of SDG-11 in Osun state (88.1%). Fourth is poor government policies with an agreement level of up to 86.6% while in the fifth position, inappropriate intergovernmental relations between the federal, state, and local governments affect the implementation of sustainable development goals with 83.6%. Lack of continuity in government makes it difficult for any goals to be fully implemented (77.9%), this was rated the sixth challenge confronting the implementation of SDG 11 in Osun state. In addition, insecurity makes it difficult for the government to provide a good life for the people (70.6%), the Leadership styles of those in government affect the attainable of sustainable development goals (67.2%), and Inadequate manpower to implement sustainable development goals (64.2%) were rated 7th, 8th and 9th challenges respectively confronting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals 11 in Osun State. Table 2 depicts this.
From the qualitative data gathered from the interview session, paucity of funds has been a major obstacle in meeting the needs of the rural dwellers thereby cutting short some of their expectations. This was revealed by the cross-section with the three selected local government chairmen. The local government relies largely on whatever comes from the state, while the state also relies on the federal government for the implementation of national development programmes. The study also revealed that the new government is trying to expand its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base and it is believed that there will be more funding to implement these SDG goals.
Another challenge notable is the contractors' attitude in executing sustainable development Goals projects in Osun State. Hence, the empirical findings showed that the perceived challenges towards the implementation of SDG 11 comprised; leadership style, inadequate manpower, corruption, continuity in government, inadequate intergovernmental relations, insecurity, poor economy, funding and poor policy formulation.
Table 2. Challenges confronting the implementation strategies of SDG 11 in Osun State
|
S/N |
Statement |
Strongly Agree |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
Strongly Disagree |
|
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
f (%) |
||
|
1 |
Leadership styles of those in government affect the attainable of sustainable development goals |
12 (17.9%) |
33 (49.3%) |
4 (6%) |
12 (17.9%) |
6 (9%) |
|
2 |
Inadequate manpower to implement the sustainable development goals |
16 (23.9%) |
27 (40.3%) |
6 (9%) |
15 (22.4%) |
3 (4.5%) |
|
3 |
Corruption |
38 (56.7%) |
22 (32.8%) |
3 (4.5%) |
4 (6%) |
0 (0%) |
|
4 |
Lack of continuity in government makes it difficult for governmental goals to be fully implemented |
29 (42.6%) |
24 (35.3%) |
3 (4.4%) |
13 (19.1%) |
0 (0%) |
|
5 |
Inappropriate intergovernmental relations between the federal, state, and local governments affect the implementation of sustainable development goals |
26 (38.8%) |
30 (44.8%) |
6 (9%) |
4 (6%) |
1 (1.5%) |
|
6 |
Insecurity makes it difficult for the government to provide a good life for the people |
25 (36.8%) |
23 (33.8%) |
3 (4.4%) |
14 (20.6%) |
3 (4.4%) |
|
7 |
Poor economy nature of the state |
31 (46.3%) |
29 (43.3%) |
5 (7.5%) |
2 (3%) |
0 (0%) |
|
8 |
Problem of funding kills innovative programmes like SDG 11 |
26 (38.8%) |
33 (49.3%) |
5 (7.5%) |
4 (6%) |
0 (0%) |
|
9 |
Poor government policies |
26 (38.8%) |
32 (47.8%) |
6 (9%) |
3 (4.5%) |
0 (0%) |
Source: Researcher’s compilation, 2023.
According to the findings, the government has not been successful in achieving SDG 11 in the state since its establishment nine years ago. Additional research has corroborated the notion that Sustainable development primarily focuses on enhancing the well-being of individuals [9]. Despite the existence of an implementation framework, tangible progress has been inactive and insufficient and due to the lack of genuine initiatives by the government to enforce SDG 11, there has been no discernible progress in terms of enhancing the inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability of cities and human settlements [18]. The Nigerian government should reassess its approaches to formulating and implementing plans aimed at tackling and diminishing slum populations, with a focus on SDG 11 [33].
The governmental strategy used in the study area has failed to achieve the desired change and transformation necessary to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. The state has not yet implemented the study's recommendations for programmes and projects that promote access to safe and affordable housing, investment in public transport, establishment of green public spaces, and improvement of urban planning and management in a participatory and inclusive manner. Sustainable development addresses the ability of natural systems to support society in the face of social, political, environmental, and economic issues. Sustainable development is considered to be a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the standard of living by responsibly utilising both human and environmental resources.
Although a portfolio exists for the position of the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, there are no publicly acknowledged formal policies that designate state resources explicitly for the attainment of SDG-11. The lack of explicit legislative frameworks undermines public support and obstructs the successful execution of initiatives focused on the implementation of sustainable urban development [34]. The government does not provide standard and reasonable housing for the population, resulting in individuals struggling to find shelter. Urban and regional planning is inadequately planned, and the transportation system is subpar as it has been predominantly managed by private individuals for many years. The state has had significant security challenges, and the society has not provided a friendly and favourable environment for residents. Nevertheless, the study indicated a lack of significant achievements by the government in constructing accessible roads for rural residents. Farmers consistently express their concerns to the government regarding the need for improved roads to facilitate the transportation of their agricultural products to urban centres for marketing purposes. Sustainable development refers to a form of development that meets our current requirements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs [35].
The study findings indicate that the implementation of SDG-11 in Osun State is faced with several notable challenges, including leadership style, insufficient manpower, corruption, lack of continuity in government, inadequate intergovernmental relations, insecurity, weak economy, insufficient funding, and poor policy formulation. The political instability and insecurity not only worsen socio-economic growth but also hinder the successful implementation of sustained programmatic efforts [2].
This aligns with earlier studies on the primary challenges to the successful implementation of sustainable development in Nigeria. The findings support the conclusions of Jaiyesimi's empirical study, which states that successfully implementing the sustainable development agenda would depend on governments' commitment, which can be done by sufficient financing, financial responsibility, and assuring cost-effectiveness [36].
An investigation of the progress of the implementation strategy of SDG 11 is beyond the scope of this explanation but suffice it to say that the SDG agenda needs to pay attention to appropriate strategy to be adopted for the implementation of goal 11 in an integrated manner. It is apparent that with corruption ravaging the entire country and the emergence of self-serving leaders, attaining SDG 11 by 2030 will be a greasy pole to climb [37]. Hence, substantial political will must be strengthened by the government at all levels to improve the livelihood of the citizenry by adopting purposeful strategies for implementing SDG 11 to uplift Nigeria from the list of countries that have failed to achieve at least 50% of the SDGs in the past nine years. However, the current measure of the implementing progress shows that the government has not done much but the attainment of the components of the 17 goals by 2030 can rather be achieved if an integrated approach and frantic effort are adopted. The findings of this study revealed that no success has been recorded with respect to SDG 11, this is due to weak intergovernmental relations, corruption, lack of resources, leadership style, insufficient workforce, poor economic performance, lack of funds, and weak policy formulation. Therefore, due to the perpetual growth of the global population, it is imperative to construct contemporary and environmentally friendly urban areas. For all individuals to thrive and achieve success, we must implement innovative urban planning strategies that prioritise the development of secure, cost-effective, and resilient cities, while also promoting environmentally sustainable and culturally enriching living environments.
It is therefore recommended that:
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